Ben Carson Open to 'Conversation' on 2nd Amendment, Against Assault Weapons Ban

In an appearance on Wednesday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Dr. Ben Carson, author of the new book “One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future” discussed his views on the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Carson stated that in high-crime areas, “We should be able to engage in conversations about [the Second Amendment],” and the discussion should center around “what can we agree on that doesn’t violate the Second Amendment?”

Carson did say that “the Second Amendment is the essential part of our Constitution,” and clarified afterwards that expanded background checks and an assault weapons ban would be off the table in any discussions on the Second Amendment. Carson did, however, caution against a “litmus test” on the right to keep and bear arms.